The Rundown on Truck Drivability Issues and Causes

Truck drivability issues can occur because of poor maintenance, normal wear and tear, and improper driver training. All these issues contribute to the possibility of late, rescheduled, or canceled loads and an increase in poor drive time.

What are Truck Drivability Issues?

There are plenty of issues that could go wrong, and some are like those of a vehicle. Here is a list, to name a few:

• Engine overheating
• Brake issues
• Ball-bearing failure
• Faulty U-joints

How Can Drivers Eliminate These Issues, and What to Monitor?

A truck engine is the primary source of power, energy, and ignition. In doing so, an engine uses thermal energy to conduct enough strength to get the truck started. Since the engine creates heat when generated, it needs the help of the radiator that holds coolant fluid to keep it cool.

The radiator coolant absorbs all the excess heat and creates balance within the thermal components of the engine. A driver can take proactive steps to eliminate an overheating episode by:

• Monitoring the truck temperature gauge to identify if it is in red or running hotter than usual
• Noting if the engine light has appeared
• Checking under the hood for steam or strange smells

These are all symptoms and signs that an engine is on its way to overheating. Each signal gives the driver time to eliminate the problem by seeking a certified truck technician for proper truck repair.

Brake Repair Indicators

Another truck drivability issue involves dilemmas with the brakes. The brakes give the driver the power to stop entirely and slow down for yielding purposes but mainly to alleviate accidents.

Some of the many causes for brake repairs include:

• Excessive heavy loads
• Lack of maintenance
• Improperly repaired or replaced brakes
• Inappropriate driving styles

Signs of brake issues include:

• High-pitched squealing
• Grinding
• Vibrations when pressing on the brake pedal

Bearings

With the engine and brakes being two essential components that truck drivers should monitor closely, there is also the possibility of issues with the ball-bearing system.

Ball bearings are necessary because:

• They support the truck's weight
• They initiate smooth wheel rotation with minimal friction
• They contribute to the brake system

Common faulty ball-bearing symptoms include:

• Wobbling wheels
• Uneven tires
• Vibrations at high speeds

Drivers should have ball bearings inspected for liquid, rust, and debris by a qualified truck repair technician.

U-Joints

One last possible truck drivability issue is faulty U-joints. The U-joints make up the driveshaft by bringing the transmission and rear differential together, contributing to the driver’s ability to maneuver the truck.

Causes of U-joint failure include:

• Normal wear and tear
• Misalignment

To minimize failure:

• Keep U-joints lubricated
• Monitor for excessive vibrations caused by misalignment

Warning signs include:

• Clicking sounds
• Vibrations while driving

Drivers should bring the truck to a quality truck repair technician to have the U-joints replaced.

Understand the Signs – Prevent Danger

Truck drivability is a vehicle’s ability to operate while meeting manufacturer standards. Common issues from a bad engine, faulty brakes, ball bearing failures, and poor U-joints are all common truck drivability issues—each of which can be recognized before complete failure.

Trucks communicate problems through:

• Wobbling wheels
• Vibrating steering wheels
• Odors

Drivers can eliminate downtime and decrease truck drivability issues by getting trucks to a certified truck repair technician for guaranteed repairs and safety.